World of Outlaws officials have fined Late Model driver Shannon Babb and placed him on probation for failing a tire test after the World of Outlaws Illini 100 at Farmer City Raceway.
Tire samples were taken after Qualifying at Farmer City on Saturday, April 11, and sent to an independent laboratory for testing of chemically altering substances in the tire in a comparative analysis.
The test revealed the tire sample from Babb’s car did not conform to the benchmark provided by Hoosier Tire Company. Additional analysis verified the primary laboratory findings.
Due to the violation, Babb has been fined, in total, $11,771.33 – loss of prize money and contingencies, a fine equal to 1/3 of first-place “to-win” amount, and tire testing and shipping costs – and placed on a 12-month probation.
The Series’ rules on tires are as follows:
Section 11-C – Tires
C. Tires
a. The National Late Model Tire (NLMT) Rule:
i. Only Hoosier (92) NLMT2, (92) NLMT3, (92) NLMT4 will be selected for the right rear.
ii. Only Hoosier (90) NLMT2, (90) NLMT3 will be selected the fronts and left rear.
b. The maximum size for any tire in competition is eleven inches (11”) x twenty-nine inches (29”) x fifteen inches (15”), unless otherwise specified and made known to all competitors.
c. The maximum outside circumference of the tire will be ninety-three inches (93”), unless otherwise specified and made known to all competitors.
d. The maximum width of the tires measured from the outside edge(s) of the sidewalls across the face of the tire will be sixteen and three-quarters of an inch (16-3/4”). There will be a tire hoop used for inspection and the tire must pass through the tire hoop freely, without any manipulation or outside contact.
e. The tire rule for any event may be amended from time to time and will be made known to all competitors.
f. Chemical alterations, vulcanizing, tire softening, defacing, and/or altering the face of the tire lettering and/or tire stamping will not be permitted. Chemicals or tire softening is not permitted at any time.
g. Washing tires, or spraying substances of any type will not be permitted within three (3) hours of the scheduled hot lap time on any given race day. Dipping tires into large containers (ie swimming pools) and chilling or heating tires (ie freezers, ice baths, torches, or other means of direct heat) will not be permitted at any point. Any of the above acts will result in the individual involved, their associated driver, and car owner being suspended indefinitely from participating in any WRG or Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sanctioned events. Any vehicle, including but not limited to race haulers and support trailers, are subject to search at the discretion of Series Director/Technical Director at any point during a sanctioned event. Tires will also not be permitted to be transported in and/or out of the confines of the pit area.